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Sweet finds for fans

When fellow sportswriter John C. Cotey started plugging names of Pasco's great athletes into eBay this week, it got us thinking: What sort of memorabilia is out there for Hernando County stars? Maybe John Capel's worn-out track shoes or a lock of Bronson Arroyo's hair? Don't laugh. One time a guy tried to auction off his kidney on eBay. Of course selling human organs - even if they're your own - is a big federal no-no, but that just goes to show anything is possible. Here's what we found on some big names out of the county.

By KELLIE DIXON
Published May 20, 2007

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Bronson Arroyo

The pitcher, who signed a two-year extension with the Cincinnati Reds in February, was 2-4 with a 2.64 ERA as of Friday.

Coolness factor: 4.375. As in the $4.375-million that the last-place Reds are paying the former Hernando pitcher in 2007. Sadly, it seems the day of the bobblehead is passing.

Jerome Brown

Brown spent five seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, earning two Pro Bowl spots, but his career was cut short by a car accident in 1992. Brown, a Brooksville native, was a standout at the University of Miami and was poised for greatness.

The item: Two patches - about 4 inches each. The first is a rare Philadelphia Eagles commemorative Jerome Brown patch worn on the field in his memory. The second is an Eagles 60th anniversary patch.

Price: The starting bid is $19. Shipping is $2.50.

Coolness factor: 9.9. Brown made an impact on the football field and in life - he once helped peacefully break up a KKK rally in Brooksville. His family continues to make a difference with a community center in his name.

A.J. Pierzynski

The Chicago White Sox catcher moved to Orlando the summer after his freshman year in Brooksville.

The item: The game-used, signed bat was the coolest of the 28 items listed under Pierzynski's correctly spelled last name. Who knows how many items you'll find if you start shuffling letters?

Price: Bidding starts at $24.99; shipping is $12.

Coolness factor: 3. Though that number might more accurately reflect the number of onfield "incidents" the catcher likely will be involved in this year. By the way, the signed bat, used by an unknown White Sox player, comes with a certificate of authenticity.

Bert Snow

The former Hernando pitcher is spending his summer as a player/coach for the Shreveport Sports of the American Association of Independent Baseball. After starring at Vanderbilt, he was taken in the 10th round by the Oakland Athletics in 1998

The item: A signed 2002 Select Rookies & Prospects player card of Bert Snow (Oakland Athletics)

Price: 1 cent; buck and a half to ship it.

Coolness factor: 5. It's the only Bert Snow memorabilia on eBay and for $1.51, it's yours. Plus, it's signed. Though getting it signed yourself probably wouldn't be that challenging.

John Capel

The Hernando graduate is a former Olympic sprinter and former standout at the University of Florida. He tried out for a receiver spot on this year's Storm Arena League Football team.

The item: An 8x10 colored pencil drawing of Capel in his Florida uniform.

Price: $5, $2 shipping

Coolness factor: 2. It's a sweet-looking piece of the former University of Florida star rounding the track. But it would be a lot sweeter with Capel's signature.

Worth watching for...

Dee Brown - The 24-year-old former Hernando star plays for the Washington Nationals' high-Class A affiliate.

Kelly Lagedrost - The Brooksville native is the women's golf coach at USF, her alma mater. She has been a professional golfer since 2001.